Penetrative projectiles

Abstract

Disclosed is a new type of penetrating projectile, the penetrating capacity of which is improved and more efficiently controlled, notably through a solution to the problems of obliquity. A projectile of this type has a front element forming the active part, fixedly joined to a tube. The tube has a closed end which contains a propellant charge for the propulsion of the element and an igniter for the charge, responding to the impact of the element on a target. In reaching the target, the projectile penetrates it slightly under the effect of the velocity and it is only at this instant, or slightly after it, that the penetration proper takes place. The penetration thus takes place without obliquity. This projectile can be used as an individual munition or sub-munition.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A penetrating projectile, comprising: a front penetrating element;   a tube fixedly joined to said front element contained therein, said tube having a first open end for receiving said front element and a second closed end, said closed end containing a propellant charge for the propulsion of said front element, and said tube further containing an igniter means for controlling the firing of the charge upon impact of the front element on a target, said projectile further including a parachute attached to said closed end of the tube, for reducing the velocity of said projectile and to make its longitudinal axis approach the vertical, said igniter means including a delay means for firing said propellant charge when the velocity of the projectile becomes substantially null.   
     
     
       2. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein the front element includes a front pointed part with a first maximum diameter and a non-deformable part having a greater diameter than said first maximum diameter in order to limit the penetration and prevent the destruction of the front element. 
     
     
       3. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein the charge includes incendiary additives. 
     
     
       4. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein the front element is an arrow. 
     
     
       5. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein the rear part of the element is pointed or sharp. 
     
     
       6. A projectile according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the front part of the element includes an indentation to prevent it from being extracted.